In middle school, I faced bullies just about every day. I often experienced physical violence during the three years I attended what was then called Burbank Junior High School in Houston. The beatings occurred so frequently that my speech teacher allowed me to stay in her class and…

I’ve previously written about fellow Floridian Kayla Mack, a woman in her 50s who has Type 3 von Willebrand disease (VWD). Her severe bleeding disorder is similar to those who deal with severe hemophilia, as her blood clotting factor VIII levels are nearly negligible. Her von…

More bleeding episodes may mean a lower quality of life and less productivity at work for men with hemophilia A living in Europe, according to an analysis of data from the CHESS II retrospective study. The analysis, “The impact of bleeding event frequency on health-related quality of life…

When it came time to teach my oldest son, Julian, how to shave, I chickened out. The thought of putting a razor blade on his face terrified me. I lived with an unsupported fear that I’d instruct him poorly and a cut might unleash a river of blood. I…

My husband, Jared, and I were recently captivated by the valedictory of Val Llamelo, the 2023 top graduate of the University of the Philippines. His address garnered widespread attention on social media for its criticism of “inspiration” and the societal issues it masks. These points resonated deeply with…

Last Friday, my youngest son, Caeleb, finished the first week of his final year in high school. He’s a mighty senior ready to conquer the world with his incredible artistic abilities. Growing up, my son experienced hemophilia-related medical issues that most people could never imagine. I think of his…

A small percentage of young people with hemophilia A who are on preventive treatment with Hemlibra (emicizumab) experience severe muscle bleeds that require prolonged factor replacement therapy. These are the findings of a real-world, multicenter study in the U.S. which also show that most of these severe muscle…

I’d enjoyed several months without any bleeding problems until I experienced an unexpected ankle bleed last week. The elevator at my condo was out of service, so I had to climb four flights of stairs multiple times a day, which put additional strain on my joints. Just when I…

My youngest son, Caeleb, and I made the 500-mile journey from our home in New Mexico to Alpine, Texas, last weekend to see my oldest son, Julian, in his professional theater debut. We drove there on Friday evening and returned on Saturday; on Sunday morning, I had to summon…

Nuwiq (simoctocog alfa) effectively prevented and controlled bleeds in previously untreated people with severe hemophilia A, according to data from a Phase 3 clinical trial. Full trial results were reported in the study, “Simoctocog alfa (Nuwiq) in previously untreated patients with severe haemophilia A — Final efficacy…